Miscanthus 'Giganteus'
- Giant Chinese Silver Grass

formerly listed as Miscanthus floridulus;
akaMiscanthus japonicus

One outstanding quality of this large grass is lending a tropical
effect to any landscape. Even in cold, snowy climates, Giant Chinese
silver grass remains upright throughout the winter. These large grasses
are particularly effective when used as a specimen in a park or zoo.

A giant for the garden! In the picture on the left the gardener is
5'10" tall. She says the plant is 6 or 7 years old but it was tall
the very first year. This specimen is growing in Zone 4 however due
to the shorter growing season, it has not bloomed. But it makes such
a great statement with its foliage, who cares if it blooms or not!

Tip: Lisa L. says there is a magnificent display of Miscanthus Giganteus
at the Indianapolis Zoo.

When to plant or transplant: plant bare root plants
only in late spring to early summer, when the soil
is warm, about the same time you plant your bean or corn
seeds or put out your tomato plants. The roots will grow
only in warm soil. Planting too early in the spring may
cause the roots to rot. Similar story in the fall when the
roots may not grow enough to establish before the cold and
wet of winter, resulting in the demise of the plant.

When to cut back: we enjoy the foliage of Miscanthus
so much that we like to leave it standing until the new growth starts
to appear, possibly as late as May. We also like the combination of
the tan foliage and spring bulbs. Cut back to about 6" from the
crown of the plant.